A gray wolf known to have been killing livestock in eastern Oregon was captured, collared and released.

The
2-year-old male was trapped a few miles from where a pair of wolves
attacked a calf last month. Tissue samples were taken from the wolf for
genetic analysis.

"The wolf was captured in the area where
livestock was killed, and the track size was the same as on-site [where
the calf was killed], so we know it is the same animal," said Michelle
Dennehy, ODFW wildlife communications coordinator.

The radio collar will now allow the department to monitor the wolves' movements and alert ranchers if necessary.

The collars also work with radio-activated guard boxes on ranches, which will emit loud noises when a collared wolf approaches.

"With
the radio collar we should be able to limit depredation," added
Dennehy. "The department has no decision on what will be done if the
wolf attacks on livestock continue. If chronic, it could lead to lethal
removal, but currently we are taking a wait-and-see approach."

-- Kelly Burgess

Photos:
At top, Oregon’s first radio-collared wolf just after its release, with
ear tags and a radio collar. Bottom: Russ Morgan, ODFW wolf coordinator,
with
Oregon’s first radio-collared wolf as it recovers from anesthesia used
during the effort. Credit: Courtesy of Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife